bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prefrontal asymmetry
Authors:   , van Steenburgh Joseph Jason , Lowe Michael R.
Published: July 2021

Obesity is a pandemic health problem. Attempts at treatment have consistently failed, but a step toward prevention could be achieved if those who are predisposed to overeat can be identified. Unfortunately, behavioral researchers seeking to identify salient individual differences in propensity for weight gain have produced findings that are contradictory and difficult to integrate into a cohesive theoretical framework. The examination of neural activity during states of hunger and satiety and during a behavioral task may provide some clarity. Chronic dieters (restrained eaters), people with negative affective traits (such as depression and anxiety), and people with a self-reported tendency to withdraw from aversive stimuli are all characterized by right prefrontal asymmetry. Some restrained eaters disinhibit their eating after a preload, particularly when depressed or anxious. This disinhibition may explain their tendency to gain weight. One purpose of this study was to replicate the finding of right asymmetry in restrained eaters and to determine the effects of a preload on this asymmetry. Subsequently, we investigated whether the counter-regulatory process is correlated with changes in prefrontal activity and whether individual difference measures such as disinhibition and restraint could predict changes in prefrontal asymmetry during a counter-regulation paradigm.
Investigation into the ionization mechanism occurring in matrix assisted laser desorption ionization and factors affecting ion flight time in MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors:   , Holcomb April M. , Owens Kevin Glenn
Published: July 2021

This thesis focuses on understanding and improving the fundamental aspects of MALDI TOFMS by examining the various elements operating within the technique. Sample preparation, ionization mechanisms, and ion flights times are investigated. A modified aerospray device was utilized to deposit mostly aqueous samples onto the sample probe. Initial attempts resulted in very poor analyte signal precision, therefore a two-level plus center point factorial design experiment was performed on five device parameters. From the first factorial, two device parameters (gas pressure and spray distance) were identified as having a significant effect on the signal reproducibility. A second factorial was performed varying these parameters to further improve signal precision. The spray-to-spray reproducibility of the device was improved 4.5-fold, while the within-sample reproducibility improved 3-fold. The same modified aerospray device was used to prepare samples for investigation into the primary ionization mechanism occurring in the MALDI process. To confirm that photoexcitation and energy pooling occur within the MALDI plume, the signal of amino acids was monitored in the presence of increasing concentrations of halide salts. As the concentration of the halide increased, the analyte and matrix signals decreased due to collision spin-orbit coupling of the matrix and halide ions. Other analyte techniques were performed in order to rule out other possibilities as causes for the observed reduced signals. The effect of changes in ion parameter values was performed. Various amounts of ammonium salt were added to the sample and caused time-of-flight (TOF) shifts. A TOF model was attempted, and although the calculated TOFs matched fairly accurately, the instrument parameters were not realistic. By performing the experiment at various pulsed ion extraction (PIE) delays and comparing the ratios of the PIE to the TOFs, it was determined that the ion velocities were increasing as the ammonium salt was added. Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative MALDI analysis using novel microwell plates was performed. The effect of the pore diameters and depths was investigated. The microwell plates were assessed based on sensitivity, mass accuracy, resolution, metal coatings, and manufacturing process. Other studies focused on the microwell plates' ability to perform polymer analysis and alkali scrubbing.
Studies on surfactant purity, chiral composition, and novel surfactant synthesis in chiral electrokinetic chromatography
Authors:   , Kojtari Adeline Bajame , Foley Joe Preston
Published: July 2021

Electrokinetic chromatography (EKC) has been proven to be a useful tool in order to separate charged, neutral, and neutral and/or charged chiral species with short run times, high efficiencies and excellent resolution. EKC differs from capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) in that a pseudostationary phase (PSP) is employed in order to separate analytes, providing selectivity that is not achievable in CZE. A variety of additives may be used as the PSP. Some examples are surfactants to form micelles, cyclodextrins (CDs), crown ethers, and polymers. In order to achieve chiral separations, a chiral additive or PSP must be utilized. Chromatographic figures of merit (CFOMs) have been evaluated for a variety of PSP formulations, including micelles, solvent-modified (swollen) micelles and microemulsions. The identity and concentration have also been evaluated and compared to previous formulations of PSPs researched within our group. Purity of the commonly used chiral surfactant in our lab, dodecylcarbonyl valine (DDCV), was evaluated under a variety of methods and its effect on CFOMs determined. Finally, a novel chiral surfactant was synthesized and evaluated under micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) conditions in order to provide an alternative to the chiral surfactant, DDCV.
Mechanical properties of polycrystalline ceramics by nanoindentation methods
Authors:   , Albayrak Ismail C. , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: July 2021

Nanoindentation, NI, - mainly with sharp tips - is a powerful method for the mechanical characterization of solids. When the indenters are sharp, however, valuable information concerning the all-important elastic-to-plastic transition is lost. Spherical tips, on the other hand, do not suffer from this problem. In this work, we used 1.4 [mu]m and 5 [mu]m radii, R, spherical diamond indenters to measure the moduli, E, and generate NI stress-strain curves of the polycrystalline sesquioxides Y2O3, Sc2O3 and Er2O3. The moduli - measured from harmonic contact stiffness (S) vs. contact radius (a) curves - were found to be weak functions of R and slightly lower than the moduli measured by ultrasound on the same samples used for the NI measurements. This work also shows that surface finish - that was varied and quantified by measuring the surface roughness - is an important factor in determining both the values of E, and the shapes of the NI stress-strain curves, especially near the origin. In all cases, fine polishing yielded results that were closer to the true values as measured by ultrasound. The values of E measured by the Berkovich indenter were less sensitive to surface roughness. When the hardness values measured using the Berkovich and Vickers indenters were compared with the yield points obtained from the NI stress-strain curves the order was: Berkovich, Vickers followed by the yield point. This conclusion is in agreement with previous work on brittle single crystals. Based on this work, we conclude that S vs. a plots are a powerful method to measure the Young's moduli of polycrystalline ceramics and other hard solids. The fact that one also obtains NI stress-strain curves is a distinct advantage over the more commonly used load-displacement curves. The influence of surface roughness, tip size and type are important consideration when characterization of mechanical characterization at the nano-scale.
MALD/I TOF PSD and CID
Authors:   , Hoteling Andrew J. , Owens Kevin Glenn
Published: July 2021

Part I of this thesis describes details of MS/MS experiments conducted on a TOFMS instrument and begins with an optimization of the CID conditions for poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Optimum conditions were found using lithium cation, helium collision gas, and a gas pressure that attenuated the parent-ion signal to between 25-50%. With these conditions, the use of PEG as a mass calibrant for PSD and CID was investigated, using a design of experiments to investigate the sources of variability related to precision and accuracy. There is a mass dependence with respect to precision within segments; however, the variability for a particular ion was not statistically significant for any of the variables tested. The variability associated with mass accuracy was demonstrated to be plate-position dependent, and most accurate results were obtained when the calibrant and analyte were close together on the sample plate. Several instrument-operating parameters were optimized, resulting in improvements to overall product-ion resolution and mass accuracy. Testing with different classes of polymers, as well as peptide examples, demonstrated that the PEG calibration method is robust for a variety of analyte types. Part II of the thesis focused on furthering the understanding of two types of discrimination observed in the MALD/I TOF analysis of synthetic polymers: 1) molecular weight distribution, and 2) polymer structure. Molecular weight discrimination was investigated with a series of narrow PMMA reference standards that demonstrated the importance of comparing the distribution, rather than simply average MW values, which also demonstrated limitations of the dynamic range of the detection system on the MALD/I TOF instrument. HPLC conditions were developed to relate the solubility of the matrix and analyte, demonstrating the importance of relative solubility in MALD/I sample preparation. The roles of salt-to-analyte and matrix-to-analyte ratios were investigated for polymers, which further demonstrated the importance of having good compatibility of matrix, analyte, and cationization reagent (i.e., solubility). The importance of solubility was exemplified with the development of conditions to analyze PET samples by MALD/I. Initial investigations of supporting analytical techniques were shown to have the potential to provide information to support the investigation of the role of solubility.
Subject specific models of the hindfoot reveal a relationship between morphology and passive mechanical properties
Authors:   , Toy Jason Robert , Siegler Sorin
Published: July 2021

The morphology of the bones, articular surfaces, and ligaments, as well as the passive mechanical characteristics of the ankle complex were reported to vary greatly among individuals. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that the variations observed in the passive mechanical properties of the healthy and injured ankle complex are strongly influenced by morphological variations. To evaluate this hypothesis, six numerical models of the ankle joint complex were developed from morphological data obtained from magnetic resonance images of six cadaveric lower limbs, and from average reported data on the mechanical properties of ligaments and articular cartilage. The passive mechanical behavior of each model, under a variety of loading conditions, was found to closely match the experimental data obtained from each corresponding specimen. Since all models used identical material properties and were subjected to identical loads and boundary conditions, it was concluded that the observed variations in passive mechanical characteristics were due to variations in morphology, thus confirming the hypothesis. In addition, the average and large variations in passive mechanical behavior observed between the models were similar to those observed experimentallybetween cadaveric specimens. The results suggested that individualized subject specific treatment procedures for ankle complex disorders are potentially superior to a one size fits all approach.
Behavioral and lifestyle treatment options post myocardial infarction
Authors:   , Tiernan Kristin A. , Nezu Arthur M.
Published: July 2021

Treatment post-MI is best suited when tailored to the individual's needs (Williams, 2001). This study was conducted as an exploratory analysis of patients' preferences for behavioral and lifestyle treatment options after a myocardial infarction (MI). Specifically, whether there were differences in men's and women's preferences for treatment. There were no significant differences in men's and women's preferences for treatment, although women tended to rate their preferences the same or lower then the men for each treatment option. By looking at patients' preferences across various demographic variables, this exploratory analysis can assist physicians when explaining and offering treatment options to their patients' post-MI.
Architectural support for direct sparse LU algorithms
Authors:   , Chagnon Timothy , Johnson Jeremy Russell
Published: July 2021

Sparse linear algebra algorithms typically perform poorly on superscalar, general-purpose processors due to irregular data access patterns and indexing overhead. These algorithms are important to a number of scientific c computing domains including power system simulation, which motivates this work. A variety of algorithms and techniques exist to exploit CPU features, but it has been shown that special purpose hardware support can dramatically outperform these methods. However, the development cost and scaling limitations of a custom hardware solution limit widespread use. This work presents an analysis of hardware and software performance during sparse LU decomposition in order to better understand trade-o s and to suggest the most promising approach for future research. Experimental results show that hardware support for indexing operations provides the greatest performance improvement to these algorithms and techniques or hardware that facilitate indexing operations should be explored.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors:   , Howley Margaret A. , Nezu Christine M.
Published: July 2021

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic and pervasive disorder. Medication as well as psychosocial treatment has proven effective in managing the symptoms of ADHD in children. Research has found that the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity decrease with age while the symptoms of inattention stay stable over time. The current analysis will consider whether treatment for ADHD is concurrent with this trend in symptom presentation as well as whether gender plays a role in treatment utilization. It is hypothesized that children diagnosed with ADHD combined type will receive more treatment with medication than psychosocial treatment and treatment overall will decrease with age in accordance with the waning of hyperactive symptoms. It is also hypothesized that children diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type will receive more psychosocial treatment than treatment with medication, as their symptoms are not as externalizing and disruptive. However, the use of treatment (medication and psychosocial) will increase with age as the symptoms of Inattention become more apparent. The analysis will also consider differences in medication use in terms of gender.
Manufacturing nano-sized powders using salt- and sugar-assisted milling
Authors:   , Gour Shruti , Gogotsi Yury
Published: July 2021

There is need for non-toxic, biocompatible nanoparticles for various applications in the field of nano-engineering. Reduction of size to nano-scale is required to enhance material properties such as bioavailability, drug release and dissolution kinetics. Dry media assisted milling was optimized for two materials; a soft lipophilic drug, fenofibrate and a relatively hard material, nanodiamond. Nanoscale particles are especially important for hydrophobic substances due to their unacceptably slow dissolution kinetics in aqueous gastrointestinal tract-type environments, which has resulted in inefficient oral drug delivery. Fenofibrate, a popular cholesterol reducing drug, currently produced in micron size, was milled with salt/sucrose to yield 500 nm particles. The dry media was removed by rinsing with deionized (DI) water and dried at room temperature. The powder was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analysis. In vitro dissolution studies resulted in improved kinetics. Various surfactants including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cyclodextrin were investigated to achieve an increased dissolution rate. There has been recent interest in nanodiamond particles, typically ~5 nm in diameter, as drug delivery vehicles in chemotherapy. However, the tendency of nanodiamond to aggregate into micron sized clusters is a major challenge in all these applications. Current methods that successfully achieved monodispersions of nanodiamond in aqueous media have been unable to remove toxic contaminants introduced during the synthesis process. Nanodiamond powders were milled with salt/sucrose in a dry environment to yield primary particles embedded in a salt/sucrose matrix. A parametric study optimized the protocol, confirmed by particle size results revealing clusters of 2-3 particles which are desirable for many applications. The milling parameters were optimized for fenofibrate and nanodiamond as follows; Fenofibrate Milling duration = 180 min Speed of rotation = 500 rpm Fenofibrate to media ratio = 1:12 (sodium chloride), 1:7 (sucrose) Nanodiamond Milling duration = 90 min Speed of rotation = 500 rpm Nanodiamond to media ratio = 1:7 Milling is an effective and economical technique, which can be easily implemented as a grading facility in most of the existing production processes.
Development of a quantum dot based microcapillary immunosensor for detection of biomarkers
Authors:   , Mohapatra Sakya Sing , Papazoglou Elisabeth S.
Published: July 2021

The unique properties of Quantum Dots (QDs) such as broad excitation spectra, narrow emission spectra, high resistance to photobleaching, higher photo-stability and stronger fluorescence makes them one of the most attractive fluorescent reporter molecules for a wide range of biological applications including biosensing and assay development applications. However, the high cost of QDs has limited their application in assay development where at least 50-100[mu]L reagents are required for performing an assay. This research capitalizes on the superior properties of QDs by utilizing just 1-2[mu]L of sample and antibodies conjugated to QDs for detection of biomarkers. In this work we developed a simple and inexpensive microcapillary immunosensor based on quantum dot assay for detecting Myeloperoxidase (MPO) in animal stool samples. The method utilizes commercially available polymethylmethaacrylate (PMMA) micro-capillaries (I. D. 250[mu]m, O. D. 500[mu]m) as substrates for performing a sandwich assay. The results obtained indicate that the limit of detection (LOD) of the device and the assay is 100 picomolar of MPO (~15 ng/mL) in 1-2[mu]L of sample. The specificity of the assay was tested in a solution mixture containing MPO and Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 (MMP 1). Furthermore, the assay and device robustness was tested by detecting MPO in animal stool samples and comparing the results obtained with a commercially available MPO ELISA kit which uses 100[mu]L of sample.
Social cognitive abilities and social functioning in children with Asperger's Disorder
Authors:   , Allen Sarah Levin , Chute Douglas L.
Published: July 2021

Objective: The current literature has linked the ability to understand one's own mental states with theory of mind, inferring another's mental states. It is suggested that children with Asperger's Disorder (AS) are delayed in the acquisition of social cognitive abilities (Baron-Cohen, 1989, 1991), which may relate to social behavior (Baron-Cohen, 1985, 1991). Other children with social deficits, such as those with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), demonstrate poor social functioning due to performance deficits and not deficits in underlying social cognitive abilities (see Landau & Moore, 1991). This research investigated the relationship between social cognitive abilities and social functioning and attempted to demonstrate a link between social cognitive abilities and social functioning in children with AS. Method: Children with AS and ADHD (7-12 years) were recruited from a private practice; typically developing children were recruited by participant referral and advertisements. Children completed the Mind in the Eyes Child Version and a two-subtest WASI, if needed. Parents completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale -II Socialization Domain, the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS), and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function(BRIEF) parent report. Demographic information was also collected. Results: Children with AS demonstrated poorer Mind in the Eyes performance and social functioning overall, followed by children with ADHD and typically developing children. Findings of poorer performance on the Mind of the Eyes task in children with AS compared to children with ADHD approached significance. Children with AS displayed significant deficits in areas of interpersonal relationships and play and leisure skills, but demonstrated similar coping skills as children with ADHD. Both ADHD and AS groups performed more poorly than controls on measures of social functioning. Conclusions: Results do not support a relationship between social functioning and mental state attribution. It is suggestive of an overlap in the type of social deficits experienced by children with AS and ADHD. This research adds to the research on mental state attribution for children with AS and ADHD and has implications for those conducting social skills training with children, as there may be a need to include methods forgeneralizing social skills related to mental state attribution.
The preignition oxidation chemistry of n-decane and n-dodecane in a pressurized flow reactor and their use as jet fuel surrogate components
Authors:   , Kurman Matthew S. , Cernansky Nicholas Peter , Miller David Leslie
Published: July 2021

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 4140.43 mandated the use of JP-8 jet fuel as the universal military fuel where applicable. The specifications for JP-8 allow a broad range of thermophysical characteristics, such as chemical composition, distillation characteristics, and heat of combustion, which can be produced from multiple sources, such as petroleum and natural gas. In the evolution of advanced engines, simulations are becoming preferable to testing in developing systems. JP-8 is a complex fuel that contains hundreds of components, many with unknown chemistry, and proper simulations require resources beyond current computational abilities. To reduce these requirements, the use of surrogate fuels, mixtures containing 1-10 components that mimic the properties and behaviors of real fuels, has been recognized as a feasible approach for predicting combustion behavior. n-Decane and n-dodecane are major surrogate components for petroleum and natural gas derived jet fuels and are the targets of this study. Neat n-decane and n-dodecane were oxidized in a pressurized flow reactor over the temperature regime from 550-830 K at a pressure of 8 atm and lean equivalence ratios. Samples were extracted and stable intermediates were analyzed utilizing a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector coupled to a mass spectrometer. To identify the branching pathways controlling autoignition, intermediate species produced during the oxidation of n-decane and n-dodecane were identified and quantified. The results showed that the major species produced from n-decane oxidation were carbon oxides, aldehydes, and alkenes. The oxidation of n-dodecane also produced cyclic ethers and lactones. The experimental results were compared to current chemical kinetic models. Suggested pathways for lactone production, which are not included in current models, are the cleavage of the peroxy bond in C₄H₇OOOH to yield dihydro-2(3H)-furanone and a hydroxyl radical, and the cleavage of the peroxy bond in C₄H₅OOOH to yield the unsaturated lactone, 2(3H)-furanone, and hydroxyl radical. Overall, the research results will aid in the development and continued refinement of chemical kinetic models for n-decane and n-dodecane that will be employed for simulating combustion characteristics of gas turbines and CI engines while ultimately improving such traits as fuel efficiency, emissions, and power output.
Oxidation of n-butylcyclohexane in the low temperature region
Authors:   , Natelson Robert Harris , Cernansky Nicholas Peter , Miller David Leslie
Published: July 2021

For optimizing fuel flexibility, emissions, fuel economy, and power output, the use of chemical kinetic models coupled with computational fluid dynamics offers the potential for improving the design of combustion systems. The development of kinetic models requires studying the combustion of the fuels at well-defined experimental conditions. Because real fuels contain hundreds of components, using surrogates of key representative components has been recognized as an approach for developing models of real fuel combustion. The present effort began with a focus on developing surrogates for jet and diesel fuels in the low temperature region, which is critical to autoignition in combustion systems. Surrogates composed of n-decane, n-butylcyclohexane, and n-butylbenzene were tested in preignition oxidation experiments in a pressurized flow reactor at temperatures of 600-800 K and in autoignition experiments in a single cylinder research engine. The alkylcyclohexane exhibited interesting behavior similar to alkanes. As a representative alkylcyclohexane, n-butylcyclohexane was further studied in the flow reactor with sampling followed by measurement of stable intermediate species using a gas chromatograph / flame ionization detector / mass spectrometer. The measured species indicated that the n-butyl chain and the cyclohexane ring interact at low temperatures and result in low temperature reactivity similar to linear alkanes. A semi-global chemical kinetic model, composed of 30 species and 45 reactions, was developed to explain the behavior of n-butylcyclohexane oxidation in the low temperature region. The model includes a kinetic mechanism file and thermochemistry file and predicts the low temperature reactivity of n-butylcyclohexane oxidation. For further refinement of the underlying chemistry and to aid current jet fuel surrogate work, a semi-detailed chemical kinetic mechanism, composed of 41 species and 73 reactions, was developed and incorporated into an existing jet fuel surrogate model. The model with the added mechanism predicts the low temperature reactivity.
An investigation of extra-temporal deficits in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors:   , Lippincott Cynthia E. , Williams J. Michael
Published: July 2021

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures arising from temporal lobe structures. Circumscribed unilateral focal seizures of temporal lobe origin have been associated with cognitive deficits outside of the seizure focus site in the medial temporal lobe (Corcoran & Upton, 1993; Hermann & Seidenberg, 1995; Trennery & Jack, 1994). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that extratemporal deficits exist among patients with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy. Presurgical test data from eighty patients with simple or complex partial seizures were examined for the purposes of exploring extratemporal impairment of function. Postsurgical test data were also examined for evidence of recovery of cognitive function. It was predicted that extratemporal deficits would be more prominent among patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy than among patients with right temporal lobe epilepsy. These deficits represent impairment of ipsilateral frontal and contralateral temporal lobe regions. It was also hypothesized that post-surgical recovery of function would occur in patients with good seizure control as compared to patients with poor seizure control. Extratemporal deficits were established in frontal and contralateral regions. These deficits were not more apparent in the left temporal lobe epilepsy group than in the right temporal lobe epilepsy group. Post-surgical scores did not reflect recovery of function in patients with good seizure control as compared to patients with poor seizure control on measures of extratemporal functions.
Developing an audience through user-generated video
Authors:   , Nnedu Nnamdi Chidiebere , Tedesco Albert S.
Published: July 2021

This project is designed to aid the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP)1, in their ongoing efforts to attract college students. Research shows user-generated videos are popular with college students, and this popularity is not lost on the HSP. The difficulties of attracting and retaining collegiate audiences are not unique to the HSP alone. Representatives from other historical societies in the United States of America reported similar struggles attracting this audience. In response to those struggles, some historical societies implemented film festivals. Those film festivals have had positive results. In fact college students ages 18-24, HSP's desired demographic, have been receptive to film festivals. This is illustrated by the success of three other historical societies, and the Campus MovieFest, a touring collegiate student film festival. The HSP is evaluating the possibility of designing an event that employs user-generated videos, as a means of attracting college students ages 18-24. While traditional film festivals have been executed successfully by other historical societies, this thesis project created a television-based promotional plan that embeds user-generated videos in a hybrid film festival format. This film festival is a hybrid, in the sense that "hybrid refers to an event containing both 'live' and 'virtual' components working together" (McCurry, 2009, p. 1). Freedom Fest, the proposed hybrid film festival, will originate online. The online or virtual component will be the application of user-generated video in place of DVD, film, and VHS, coupled with an online campaign that utilizes a variety of social media/networking websites. The top 10 video submissions, as determined by online voting, will then be shown at a one night event to be held on the campus of Drexel University. From those 10 submissions screened at Freedom Fest, a panel of judges from the HSP will decide the winner.
Molecular simulations of monomeric sarcosine oxidase
Authors:   , Mathew Shyno , Abrams Cameron F.
Published: July 2021

Monomeric sarcosine oxidase (MSOX) is a flavoenzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of sarcosine to form formaldehyde, glycine and hydrogen peroxide. MSOX also reduces molecular oxygen. There is no channel detected by experiment that transports oxygen from the protein surface to the buried active site for oxygen reduction. The main purpose of this work is to determine the oxygen transport channels in MSOX using molecular simulations. Here we used two methods: Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Single-sweep free energy reconstruction. Our results show that there exist two different pathways to the oxygen activation site: the so called si-side and re-side entry pathways. Between these two, the si-side entry pathway is more thermodynamically favorable. This highlights the efficiency of MSOX because the substrate and O2 access the catalytic center via two distinct pathways.
Mechanically robust multi-layered chitosan thin films
Authors:   , DiPrato Aldo , Schauer Caroline L.
Published: July 2021

The biomimicry of butterfly wings is a field that depends on reproducing ordered arrangements, on the nanometer scale, that produce structural color. An often difficult task to recreate such intricate and small features, thin film production via spin coating is a reasonable and effective method of doing so. Chitosan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that has been utilized in thin films, and has shown the ability to chelate to metallic ions in solution, such that the film can be used as a sensor. The lack of durability and stability of chitosan thin films, however, have restricted their implementation. In this study, the unique structural color found in butterfly wings is mimicked by stacking alternating layers of a high refractive index material, chitosan, with a low refractive index material, silica nanoparticles. The nanoparticle arrangement and void characterization of the silica layer has been studied by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and have shown to mimic the air pockets seen in butterfly wings. The developed films posses a higher mechanical stability than any other previous natural polymer thin film, as well as high resistance to peeling and flaking. Because of the strong metal chelation properties that chitosan possesses, silica-chitosan thin films have been studied for the applications of hexavalent chromium detection, matching the sensitivity to hexavalent chromium detection of single layer chitosan films. Silica-chitosan thin films were used as a method for drug delivery, and UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed a controlled time release of Diphenhydramine HCl from the films.
A pilot study examining the initial effectiveness of acceptance based behavior therapy for modifying diet, physical activity levels and smoking status in a cardiac population
Authors:   , Goodwin Christina LeighAnn , Forman Evan M. , Herbert James D.
Published: July 2021

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and costs Americans nearly $276 billion in direct and indirect costs per year (American Heart Association, 2009). It is reported that 90% of cardiac events are attributable to a small number of modifiable risk factors which, if changed, can greatly decrease morbidity and mortality rates. Previous research has reported significant barriers to adopting behavior change among cardiac patients. These include difficulties controlling cravings, distaste of heart-healthy foods, and distress associated with increased physical activity (Cabanac, 1986; Dusseldorp, Van Elderen, Maes, Meulman, & Kraaij, 1999; Falk, Bisogni, & Sobal, 2000). We hypothesize three psychological factors that may play an important role in making and maintaining lifestyle changes: intolerance of discomfort, mindfulness, and values clarity. These three factors are central acceptance-based behavior therapy (ABBT) approaches. The current study evaluated the feasibility and initial effectiveness of ABBT at increasing adherence to behavioral recommendations in a cardiac population. The present study, termed Project ABLE, consisted of four, 90-minute group sessions aimed at helping participants become more mindful, learn distress tolerance skills and, strengthen their commitment to heart-health related values. Twelve participants were assessed at baseline and post-treatment. The program was associated with high treatment acceptance and comprehension, as well as positive change in diet, physical activity, and smoking behaviors. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.
Art Therapy and Acceptance, an Approach to Treatment for Children with Chronic Pain
Authors:   , Pugh Aimée N. , Gerber Nancy E.
Published: July 2021

The objective of the study was to develop an art psychotherapy treatment approach for pediatric chronic pain that incorporates the concept of acceptance. The design of the study was literature-based and used a grounded theory method of data analysis. This study explored an intersection of the topical areas of art therapy, pediatric chronic pain, and acceptance. The major findings of the study were five interactive components that created a theoretical approach called the Art Therapy Acceptance Approach (ATAA). The five components are Multiple factors in pediatric chronic pain, Therapeutic relationship, Developing capabilities, Imagination and Attention. The core category which was identified in each of the components is called Discovering possibilities through acceptance. The core category suggested how acceptance may function within the ATAA. Acceptance is identified as part of a process of discovering possibilities, or finding options within the context of each of the components of the ATAA. For example acceptance of a biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain is theorized to be connected to finding greater options for treatment such as complementary therapies. This study considered whether children who are in the concrete operational stage of cognitive development, and who experience chronic pain, may be able to understand and benefit from acceptance if it is introduced through metaphor, storytelling, or image in art therapy. The data contributing to three components of the ATAA, in particular, supported this theory. A significant implication of the ATAA is the suggestion of a new treatment approach for children ages 7-12, to manage chronic pain. Related clinical recommendations included art therapy assessments of developmental level and a multidisciplinary treatment setting for the ATAA. Limitations in data sources, particularly in the topical areas of acceptance, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, and art therapy impacted the validity of the model. It was suggested that research evaluating the clinical application of the ATAA model would benefit fromresearch that examined the impact of parents' participation on clinical interventions for children with chronic pain, how school-aged children use metaphor in art therapy, and how family art therapy may contribute to children's ability to manage chronic pain and parents' ability to care for a child with chronic pain.
Sustainable development
Authors:   , Estornell Paula , Haas Charles N. , Brulle Robert Joseph
Published: July 2021

Urban growth in America is unsustainable. Sprawl and the corresponding degradation of fragile natural resources is well documented (NRC, 2002). Governments, scholars and practitioners are examining land use governance to determine which policy process models deliver more effective policy outcomes that ensure a higher degree of implementation so that sustainable societies are realized. Many studies show participatory environmental governance brings more equitable and effective decisions and enjoys greater support by affected parties (Fung, 2002; Innes and Booher, 1999; Margerum, 2008; NRC, 2008; Reed, 2008). However, studies showing association between the planning method and environmental outcomes and studies comparing collaboration to other decision making methods are limited (Koontz and Thomas, 2006; Leach, and Pelkey, 2001; Levine et al, 2009; McGuire, 2006). A few studies have concluded that environmental outcomes of participatory governance cannot be measured (Sabatier et al, 2005) or the process is simply not effective at bringing environmental outcomes (Layzer, 2008; McGlosky, 1996; Peterson, et al, 2004). Furthermore there is a debate about the practical application of a common theoretical framework used to study participatory governance-Habermas's Theory of Communicative Action (Fischer, 2003; Healy, 2008). This study answered the call for more research to compare the efficacy of policy processes and to understand the association between these processes and environmental outcomes using Habermas's Theory of Communicative Action as a framework. Specifically, this qualitative and quantitative study examined the policy process and contextual factors associated with sustainable land use practices in the Mid-Atlantic in order to better understand what circumstances surround successful implementation. Using survey results from over one hundred municipal officials across four states, the study found communities that used a higher degree of public participation and collaboration in land use policy development had a greater amount and breadth of sustainable development projects built. Examination of contextual factors indicated communities with greater wealth and political support had a higher degree of implementation of their sustainable development policies. Examination of policy process and contextual factors together showed similar correlations between these variables and policy outcome. Finally, results indicated communities who collaborated would have fewer impacts to water quality from urban stormwater runoff.
Mating system and dispersal patterns in the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)
Authors:   , Sheridan Claire Marie , Avery Harold W. , Spotila James Robert
Published: July 2021

Long-term demographic studies of the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) indicate high habitat fidelity and low dispersal distances, but population genetic studies indicate high levels of gene flow between populations. In addition to conflicting data between direct and indirect measurements of dispersal in the terrapin, data are currently lacking on how habitat fragmentation affects the dispersal and mating system of the terrapin. Dispersal and mating systems are important to understand because they can affect the level of genetic diversity in a population, and therefore influence its long-term sustainability of a population. In this study, I examined the mating system and fine-scale dispersal patterns of diamondback terrapins in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey. Using both capture-mark-recapture and molecular genetic methods, I compared dispersal patterns of juvenile, male, and female terrapins in Barnegat Bay, NJ. While capture-mark-recapture over a four year study period indicated that all individuals have relatively small dispersal distances (<2 km), mean genetic assignment indices, first generation migrant tests, and spatial autocorrelation indicated that mature males exhibited sex-biased dispersal and mature females exhibited natal philopatry to nesting beaches. To determine how habitat fragmentation affects dispersal and gene flow in the terrapin, I used a landscape genetic approach. Landscape genetic models indicated that estuarine emergent wetland was a landscape feature necessary for effective dispersal and therefore necessary to maintain genetic diversity in the terrapin. Because mating systems can also affect the level of genetic diversity, I also analyzed paternity in 174 nests from five nesting beaches. Multiple paternity was common in nests, the degree of multiple paternity differed significantly among locations, ranging from 12.5 to 45.7 % of clutches, and exhibited a significant non-linear correlation with population sex ratio. Population sex ratios were likely altered by differential mortality of nesting females on roads or of males in commercial crab pots. I confirmed the use of sperm storage both within and between seasons, but found no data to support long-distance movements of individuals to mating aggregations. Utilization of genetic methods has yielded important information regarding terrapin dispersal and mating behaviors that is particularly important in developing conservation and management plans. The data indicate that protection of estuarine emergent wetland and natal nesting beaches is necessary for species survival, and that differential mortality, resulting in skewed sex ratios, can have significant impacts on the mating system of Malaclemys terrapin.
Plasma and protein surface functionalization for three-dimensional polycaprolactone tissue scaffolds
Authors:   , Yildirim Eda Didem , Güceri Selcuk I , Sun Wei
Published: July 2021

In regenerate tissue in an in vitro environment, scientists usually need to create a biomimic cellular microenvironment to provide structural, chemical, physical and biological cues to the cells. Introduction of those cues to a cellular environment can be done by applying proper surface functionalization techniques. Plasma induced surface modification is one of the effective techniques that can enhance cellular functions for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation through changing the surface physicochemical properties. The objective of this thesis is to develop scientific and engineering knowledge in surface functionalization of polymer scaffolds through plasma and plasma/fibronectin functionalization to understand how cellular functions respond to multiple cues from their microenvironment. In this study, a plasma and protein surface functionalization technique was investigated and applied to introduce biophysical and biochemical cues to threedimensional (3D) polycaprolactone (PCL) tissue scaffolds. The major research tasks include: 1) development of experimental techniques for plasma and protein surface functionalization; 2) development of a multi-module computational engineering model to predict the degree of surface functionalization; 3) surface functionalization of 3D PCL tissue scaffolds by combined plasma/fibronectin surface treatment; and 4) development of a novel dual functional freeform microplasma generated maskless surface patterning process to create spatially patterned topological and chemical features on biopolymer surface that are useful for tissue engineering applications. The results in surface analysis of oxygen-based plasma modification and fibronectin coating revealed that both techniques introduced oxygen containing functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl) on PCL tissue scaffold surfaces, and altered the surface topographies, the surface energy and the surface hydrophilicity. The changes in surface properties further resulted in an improved cell adhesion strength, proliferation and differentiation. In addition, the developed multi-module engineering model can be applied to predict the changes of the surface physicochemical properties without conducting costly and time consumed experimental measurements. The preliminary data show that the developed dual functional freeform microplasma technique is capable of generating surface patterning and printing biomolecules in one single step to create micro-scale surface functionalized patterns without using any masks, master stamps or chemical treatments.
The relationship between decision-making style and negative affect in college students
Authors:   , Schoemaker Annemarie F. , Nezu Arthur M.
Published: July 2021

The present study looked at the relationship between decision-making style and negative affect in college students. Following a literature review it is clear that although there is research regarding the relationship between decision-making and affect, the majority of the work within the decision-making literature has focused on the relationship between transitory affective states (e.g. happy or sad), cognitive processes, and decisionmaking behavior. Thus, it is important to conduct research to understand how pathological affective states, like depression and anxiety, influence decision-making behavior. Seventy-six Drexel University undergraduate students were recruited to participate in the present study. The participants were asked to complete three measures, including the General Decision-Making Style Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory- Second Edition, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-Fomth Edition. The hypothesis for this study was that there will be decision-making styles that are specific to depression and others that are specific to anxiety. Correlation and partial correlation analyses were run to determine whether relationships between decisionmaking style and negative affect exist. The correlation analyses revealed that depressive symptoms were significantly related to avoidant decision-making style and rational decision-making style in the predicted direction. However, the other predicted relationships were not supported as there were no significant relationships between depressive and anxious symptoms and the intuitive, spontaneous, and dependent decision-making styles. Furthermore, partial correlation analyses reveal that the only relationship remaining signifIcant was between depressive symptoms and avoidant decision-making style after controlling for anxious symptoms. Further investigations utilizing more complex statistical methods and additional measures of decision-making and negative affect are necessary to better understand the relationship between decision-making and pathological affective states.