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Addressing Emergency Situations Among the Unhoused in Paterson, NJ
Full text linkEarlier this year, the Paterson City Council proposed an ordinance to criminalize homelessness. Many residents were unhappy with the proposed ordinance, feeling that it was unjust to treat the homeless in Paterson that way, and that it wouldn’t effectively address the root causes. The ordinance was withdrawn, but homelessness in Paterson still needs to be addressed. This paper proposes alternate solutions to homelessness; through increasing shelter capacity, affordable housing, modifying the ordinance, increasing in voluntary commitment, measures, and alternatives to involuntary commitment
Sex-and Age-Based Difference in Neuro-Immune States of Mice: Implications for Human Viral-Vector Gene Therapy and Neuroscience Research
No full textVirally-mediated gene delivery has emerged as a promising approach for treating monogenic disorders in FDA-approved human gene therapies as well as advancing basic neuroscience research. However, immune recognition of these viral vectors, especially through the innate immune detector Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), can trigger neuroinflammation and off-target neuroimmune effects. Toll-like receptor 9 -mediated immune responses include the upregulation of major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) and complement component C3, which are known to influence synaptic pruning and neuronal complexity. Past studies have described subtoxic effects of AAV in the cortex of 8-10 week old male mice, however, baseline sex- and age-based differences in neuro-immune function may alter the brain’s response to AAV-mediated gene delivery. Our research includes neuro-immune expression in female and older mice to determine if there are potential sex-or age-based differences in the immunogenicity of AAV. Our pilot study identifies sex- and age-dependent differential expression patterns of TLR9, MHCI H2-K and H2-D, PSD95, and C3 across different tissues— prefrontal cortex, spleen, and spinal cord in juvenile and geriatric mice. These results highlight the necessity for personalized approaches that consider biological sex and age in the development and application of viral-vector-based therapeutics
Comparative Expression of cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase G (PKG) From Plasmodium and Toxoplasma
Full text linkMalaria and Toxoplasmosis are life threatening diseases to humans. The search for a cure and control of these diseases is still one of the major challenges of scientists worldwide. In this research we focused on two Malaria species; Plasmodium bergei² (Pb) and Plasmodium falciparum¹ (Pf) and also on Toxoplasma gondii. Part of the life cycle of these organisms is regulated by the enzyme cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG)⁴. This is our drug target in this research. We believe that inhibiting this enzyme will be a great step in fighting these diseases. In this research, we devised a comparative study on cloning and producing this enzyme in two separate systems; eukaryotic system (Sf9 insect cells) and Escherichia coli (prokaryotic system for Pf and Pb PKG ). To do this, the process involved cloning of the genes and transformation of cells, protein expression, His-tag purification, characterization (cGMP and ATP dependency), kinetic studies, and inhibition profiles by a known PKG inhibitor (trisubstituted pyrrole TSP). After doing these, we came to a conclusion that the Sf9 insect cell system will be a great way forward to produce this enzyme in significant amounts
Generative AI–Powered Mental Wellness Chatbot for College Student Mental Wellness: Open Trial
No full textBackground: Colleges have turned to digital mental health interventions to meet the increasing mental health treatment needs of their students. Among these, chatbots stand out as artificial intelligence–driven tools capable of engaging in human-like conversations that have demonstrated some effectiveness in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using Wayhaven, an artificial intelligence chatbot, among college students with elevated depression or anxiety symptoms. We also aimed to examine the preliminary effectiveness of Wayhaven in improving symptoms of anxiety and depression, hopelessness, agency, and self-efficacy among students.
Methods: Participants were 50 racially and ethnically diverse college students with elevated depression or anxiety symptoms (n=45, 80% female; mean age 22.12, SD 4.42 years). Students were asked to use Wayhaven over the course of 1 week and completed assessments at preintervention, after 1 session, and 1 week.
Results: Wayhaven use was associated with a significant decrease in depression (β=−1.62; P\u3c .001), anxiety (β=−2.15; P\u3c .001), and hopelessness (β=−.64; P\u3c .001) and a significant increase in agency (β=.64; P=.32), self-efficacy (β=.53; P=.02), and well-being (t40=2.90; P=.006; d=0.45) across the study period. Most students also reported being satisfied with Wayhaven and it being a tool they would recommend to their peers.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that Wayhaven may be a viable mental wellness resource for diverse students with elevated depression or anxiety symptoms
2006 October Unknown, Ann Margaret Sharp, and Laurance J. Splitter at philosophy for children workshop, Graz, Austria
No full texthttps://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/iapc_lsplitter_gallery/1005/thumbnail.jp
Laurance Splitter 2017
No full texthttps://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/iapc_lsplitter_gallery/1009/thumbnail.jp
Invitation to Polynomiography via ChatGPT: For Teachers, Students and Artists
No full textTeachers, students, and artists in the United States and abroad who have encountered polynomiography, in lectures, demos, or software, consistently appreciate its educational value and artistic potential. While dedicated polynomiography programs require upkeep as systems evolve, AI chatbots now offer a practical, accessible alternative. This article invites readers to explore polynomiography with ChatGPT, broadening access beyond specialized tools. While the approach will not match the full range or polish of advanced software, it provides a powerful and flexible entry point with many possibilities.
At its core, polynomiography transforms polynomial equations, each encoding a finite set of points in the complex plane, into colorful, visually striking images that can be read for their mathematical or algorithmic structure, or simply appreciated as fine art. One may specify a polynomial explicitly or designate an arbitrary set of roots, then apply or design iterative root-finding methods coupled with creative coloring and layering schemes. Metaphorically, it is a game of hide-and-seek with a constellation of dots: the polynomiographer hides points on the canvas via an equation and searches for them with an algorithm, painting as the search proceeds. Because the space of polynomials and algorithms is effectively unbounded, so are the educational and artistic outcomes. This article shows how to produce both fractal and non-fractal polynomiographs simply by prompting ChatGPT, with no code required, while also offering optional Python workflows for reproducibility, high resolution, batch processing, and classroom use
Direct Arylation of 1,10-Phenanthroline Using an Organomagnesium Reagent
No full textSubstituted derivatives of 1,10-phenanthroline are important ligands in inorganic chemistry. Such ligands are often synthesized by nucleophilic addition of aryl- or alkyllithium reagents to the carbon positions adjacent to the phenanthroline nitrogens. The typical reaction sequence (organolithium addition, protonolysis, oxidation, and rearomatization) has been widely used and seldom improved. We sought to replace lithium-based reagents with safer reagents based on magnesium (i.e., Grignards). The effective use of an arylmagnesium reagent in the production of a phenanthroline ligand derivative is now disclosed. Additionally, our newly reported method avoids the use of a heterogeneous oxidant (MnO2) which the traditional method employed in excess. Instead, oxidation due to air exposure is used to achieve the final aromatization step. This new reaction scheme produces 2,9-di(p-methoxyphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline in a process with a 10.2% average yield
Fluorinated Block Copolymer: An Important Sorbent Design Criteria for Effective PFOA Removal from Its Aqueous Solution
No full textAn important question remains unresolved, despite extensive studies on polymer-based sorbents for adsorbing poly and perfluoro alkyl substances (PFAS): How does the positioning of the fluorine-rich segment in polymer affect PFAS removal? Herein, we designed a linear, uncharged triblock copolymer incorporating a fluorinated moiety in the polymer backbone, which effectively removed perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from water. In contrast, polymers without fluorogenic moiety or with it in the side chains showed significantly poorer PFOA removal. Our finding suggests that PFOA adsorption is more influenced by C-F···F-C interactions when the fluorinated segment is in the polymer backbone, not in the side chain
Cultural and Counter-Cultural Contexts in Amy Tan\u27s The Joy Luck Club and Cristina García\u27s Dreaming in Cuban
Full text linkThis thesis explores the cultural and counter-cultural narratives presented in Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club and Cristina García’s Dreaming in Cuban, examining how these works impact the literary canon and redefine the immigrant experience through a distinctly female lens. Both novels share themes of generational conflict, fragmented identities, and the struggles of communication shaped by cultural and linguistic divides. While these works feature distinct cultural backgrounds, Chinese American and Cuban American respectively, the authors challenge patriarchal norms by privileging female voices and presenting nuanced portrayals of mother-daughter relationships. The analysis highlights shared literary techniques and thematic parallels, including identity negotiation and the influence of cultural heritage. Despite their distinct cultural contexts, the works reveal universal struggles for autonomy, voice, and understanding in immigrant families. This study argues that the counter-cultural elements in these novels create a bridge for broader readerships to engage with marginalized perspectives, ultimately reinforcing the need for diverse narratives in the literary canon