15133 research outputs found
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Automated regulatory classification of mobile medical apps
No full textMobile medical applications provide a variety of functionalities for users, from managing critical personal data to providing basic medical information. However, due to the variety of functionalities and lack of consistent and concrete regulatory oversight across app marketplaces, medical apps potentially pose a threat to users who are generally unaware of app capabilities. Therefore, in order to help legal experts quickly identify which regulatory body applies to the wide variety of medical apps used by consumers, we present a method for converting and plotting the prose of both app descriptions and regulatory legalese into a vector space in order to facilitate rapid cosine similarity scoring. Our study demonstrates how to automate regulation of mobile medical apps using descriptions with the language of regulatory bodies. Our results make apparent a need for comprehensive regulatory oversight of medical apps, with 54.8 % of apps on Google Play and 58% of apps on the Apple App Store
Effect of gluten-free ingredients substitutions on the antioxidant potential of antioxidant-rich based goods
No full textIncreasing prevalence of celiac disease and demand for antioxidant-rich foods have driven research into exploring functional and nutritional properties of gluten-free products. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant potential of gluten-free flours while formulating with potent antioxidant ingredients to assess potential non-additive effects and ingredient interactions. Additionally, this study also examined the role of tapioca starch in antioxidant stability post-baking. Two gluten-free flours and two antioxidant potent ingredients (cocoa and garlic powder) were used with inclusion and exclusion of tapioca starch. A factorial study was used to prepare formulations for brownies and garlic bread. The baked samples were analyzed using Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) under micro-plate reader. One-way ANOVA was used to identify significant differences within each sample and a chi-square of independence test to assess the agreement between the expected values and the observed values to determine a non-additive relationship. Sorghum flour brownies exhibited statistically significant and highest antioxidant capacity (9.500 ± 0.122 mmol TE/100 ml wet weight p \u3c 0.05) followed by Brown Rice flour brownies. Chi-Square test for independence yielded a significant result (χ² = 17.22, p = 0.0041) implicating a non-additive interaction suggesting retention in antioxidants to be influenced by matrix composition and synergistic effect rather than independent effect of the flours and antioxidant potent ingredients. The results suggest the addition of antioxidant-rich ingredients in combination with the gluten-free flours of Sorghum and Brown Rice can synergistically enhance antioxidant potential
Next generation sequencing shows the effects of simulated root exudates on microbial composition in a barren, contaminated soil
No full textA well-functioning soil microbiome is crucial to soil health and quality. Soil microbes aid in essential processes such as nutrient cycling, supporting plant health and productivity. Brownfield soils typically exhibit low levels of microbial functioning from contaminant-resistant microbial communities. The low level of microbial functioning can hinder natural vegetation growth, leaving areas barren and lacking structure and stability. We have recently shown that microbial function increases when primed with a single addition of simulated root exudate (SRE) solution. This creates a microbial legacy within the soil that can support plant growth. Here, we ask how the soil microbial community in a barren, contaminated soil changes over time in response to SREs and what types of microbes become more or less prevalent due to the addition of SREs. The DNA of the bacterial and fungal communities within barren, contaminated soil was extracted and sequenced using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) at two time points to observe changes within the microbial community in response to SRE priming. Using targeted sequencing methods (16S and ITS), we gained insights into the microbial community composition and diversity in SRE-treated and control soils. These data allowed us to better understand how SREs affect soil microbial composition and function. This understanding is crucial for soil management, in particular for efforts to revitalize poorly functioning soils using practical and effective approaches
Biomimetic reconstitution of viral fusion reveals insights into coreceptor binding and infectivity, distinguishing HIV-1 and HIV-2 subtypes
No full textDespite a shared simian origin, HIV-1 and HIV-2 differ in virulence and epidemiology, yet the molecular basis remains unclear. HIV infection begins with high-affinity binding between gp120 and CD4+ T cells, initiating coreceptor binding with CCR5 or CXCR4. Differences in infectivity have been linked to reduced diversity in the HIV-2 envelope, which shares 35% amino acid similarity with HIV-1 groups and is least homologous among retroviral genes. Both gp120 proteins share structural features, including a conserved variable loop 3 (v3), though HIV-2 exhibits limited v3 exposure during CCR5 interaction compared to HIV-1. We hypothesize a pattern residue in HIV-2 v3 may affect CCR5 binding, contributing to reduced infectivity and offering a rationale for virulence differences. Sequence data from the Los Alamos HIV database was used, focusing on HIV-1 group M and HIV-2 groups A and B. Local alignments highlighted v3 residue variations, and computational alanine scanning mutagenesis identified residues critical for stable interactions. Consensus data reveal v3 residue differences possibly driving sub-optimal gp120-CCR5 interaction in HIV-2. Our results support previously identified v3 hotspots and suggest physicochemical differences in HIV-2 gp120 may hinder viral entry and replication. To test translational validity, we are using assay peptides from representative HIV-1 and HIV-2 V3 sequences to bind CCR5 on supported lipid bilayers, allowing quantitative binding affinity analysis. These findings offer insights into HIV-2’s lower infectivity by identifying specific V3 residues influencing gp120-CCR5 binding and lay groundwork for exploring infectivity and drug design differences between HIV-1 and HIV-2
What are the differences in water quality between rural and urban environments?
No full textThe comparison of freshwater water quality across urban and rural environments in New Jersey is crucial to be able to assess the health of the water body and which populations may be more vulnerable to contamination in their drinking water. Differences in land use, industrialization, and human activity contribute to varying levels of surface water pollution. This study will focus on analysis of various water quality parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, and nitrate of four New Jersey rivers: the Passaic River, Raritan River, Musconetcong River, and Pequest River. Given New Jersey’s highly urbanized landscape, rural areas will be determined by lower population density and greater agricultural activity. Results are expected to show that rivers surrounded by abundant urban activity will have poorer water quality compared to rural areas related to runoff from traffic and residential waste. Poor water quality may be defined as having very high or very low pH levels, low dissolved oxygen, extreme variations in temperature, and elevated levels of phosphate and nitrate. Additionally, rural areas are often heavier in agricultural activity and so rural bodies of water may experience runoff from pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste resulting in high levels of phosphate and nitrate
Molecular characterization of the Terminase enzyme from the Shival phage
No full textOver the past few decades, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been evolving at alarming rates. However, research shows that bacteriophages are a promising alternative in treating bacterial infections. To implement phages as permanent forms of treatment, further research is required to understand the mechanisms behind their development and function. At Montclair State University, several phages, specifically the Shival phage, have been isolated and their genomes sequenced. Shival has 101 predicted genes, including gene 2 which is predicted to code for the protein terminase. Currently, all protein predictions have been determined by sequence comparison rather than measuring protein function. Terminase is believed to pack the viral genome into the capsid of the phage. To analyze terminase’s function, the gene was amplified through PCR and inserted into a GST-tag expression vector. The ligated product was then transformed into DH5alpha cells and the plasmids from the resulting transformants were analyzed through restriction digestion. The plasmid was then transformed into BL21 cells for protein. Thus far, the gene has been cloned and partially sequenced, confirming the correct gene was isolated. Although the protein of the correct size has been produced, the protein appears to be insoluble. In response, the common domain that has been aligned with other terminases will be isolated and expressed to increase solubility and aid in purification. Once the protein is purified, protein function analysis will begin by measuring ATPase activity. Through our research, we hope to further our understanding regarding bacteriophage and contribute to its use in medical treatments within the future
Prevalence of parasites in the comb jelly, Mnemiopsis leidyi, size does matter.
No full textThe comb jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi) is a species of Ctenophora found in all world oceans. Their stance as a source of nutrition, specifically as a source of collagen for its predators, allows for the transfer of possible parasites it might host. Parasites known to inhabit M. leidyi like Edwardsia leidyi are relatively rare, but upon 236 dissections of M. leidyi, the prevalence of what appears to be an intermediate trematode parasite occurred in 67% of individuals. These parasites were more present in larger specimens and most abundant in August. As M. leidyi are important components of pelagic food webs, they are also a potential vector for parasites to be transferred to higher level consumers where they are able to progress developmentally. The presence of parasites is commonly excluded from the calculation of trophic interactions in food webs. This common exclusion of parasites from food webs is detrimental to gathering a full understanding of a given food webs dynamic, since parasites play a key role in regulating host populations and aid in the measuring of ecological stability
What tools of the trade from informal science education are useful to science teachers? An investigation into the practices of former informal science educators who are now classroom science teachers
No full textThis study explored how visitor-facing experiences in Informal Science Institutions (ISIs) shaped science teachers’ practices in their K-12 science classrooms. ISIs have long been a site of learning for individuals, as well as for pre-service and in-service teachers. This qualitative, phenomenological study focused on the pedagogy of ISIs, including engagement strategies, object-based learning, understanding learners, and meaning-making and which parts of this pedagogy and other ISI experiences transferred into participants’ classroom teaching practices. Participants included 16 secondary science teachers from across the United States who had prior experience as educators in zoos, aquariums, nature centers, science centers, etc. before becoming teachers. Through individual and focus group interviews and an examination of work products, and as viewed through cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), it was apparent that: (1) the pedagogy of ISIs was largely used in both novice and experienced teachers’ classrooms; (2) their ISI work helped teachers develop their identity as teachers, science teachers, and scientists; and (3) participants reported an ease with the implementation of NGSS in their classrooms compared to their colleagues. These findings suggest that ISIs are a useful site for pre-service teacher learning and professional development for in-service teachers and may serve as a source of recruitment of future science teachers. Furthermore, educators in this study reported a much stronger community of practice in their ISIs compared to schools, so ISIs may provide a model for how to improve communities of practice in schools and new teacher induction programs
Fearless VR: Can you overcome your fear?
No full textVirtual reality video games are a revolutionary way to experience different perspectives, opening the door to new ways to experience immersive storytelling. In this game development capstone project, students were given the opportunity to collaborate on a semester-long video game project to tell a meaningful story through interactive technology. Using this prompt as a guide, a virtual reality horror game was developed so that it allows players to face their fears firsthand in order to overcome them and beat the game. The game, “Fearless,” is designed so that the player can customize their experience, selecting different fears at the start of the game for a horror experience catered to them. The options provided are based on studies that were found on both common and niche fears, each designed to bring the game to life and evoke strong authentic reactions from the player. By utilizing virtual reality technology, players can fully immerse themselves in the story and environment, elevating the game to a level that is much less attainable with conventional video game technology. The players get to experience the story from a whole new perspective. They are not just controlling the character in the game, they are the character. This heightened level of immersion increases stakes for the player, making them think harder about their decisions and feel the repercussions of them as if it is reality. For “Fearless,” this is essential in achieving its goal to help players overcome their fear and leave the game with a lasting impression
Detecting attacks on a mesh network using anomaly detecting techniques
No full textMesh networks are widely used for their robustness and flexibility, connecting multiple nodes in decentralized architectures. However, they are vulnerable to various security threats, including Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can severely disrupt network operations. This research explores the application of anomaly detection techniques to detect such attacks within mesh networks. By continuously monitoring traffic flow, node behavior, and communication patterns, anomaly detection systems can identify deviations from normal network activity, which may indicate the presence of malicious attacks. The research examines various approaches to anomaly detection, such as statistical analysis, machine learning, and flow-based analysis, highlighting their effectiveness in detecting sudden traffic surges, abnormal node behavior, and irregular request frequencies—common indicators of DoS/DDoS attacks. We discuss how these techniques can proactively identify attacks in real-time, allowing for quicker response and mitigation strategies to ensure network resilience and minimize service disruption. The results demonstrate the potential of anomaly detection in enhancing the security and reliability of mesh networks against such attacks