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Examining Racial-Ethnic Disparities and Pre-Death Grief Among Persons with Cancer and Their Family Caregivers
Get PDFA cancer diagnosis can profoundly impact individuals and their families, particularly Hispanics/Latines, who face screening and treatment disparities, resulting in later diagnosis and fewer treatment options. These inequalities influence the entire family unit, as the person with cancer and family members may experience greater anticipated and illness-related losses, also known as pre-death grief (PDG). Further, minority stressors (i.e., acculturative stress, acculturation, and discrimination) may exacerbate PDG for the dyad due to negatively affecting their ability to cope with losses associated with cancer. However, studies have not examined PDG in both persons with cancer and family members, nor how minority stressors are related to PDG. Therefore, the proposed study assessed 1) levels of PDG in Hispanic/Latine family caregivers and persons with cancer compared to non-Hispanic white family caregivers and persons with cancer and 2) the effect of minority stressors (i.e., acculturative stress; acculturation; discrimination) on PDG among Hispanic/Latine family caregivers and persons with cancer. There were no significant differences between Hispanic/Latine and non-Hispanic white caregivers and persons with cancer on PDG scores (ps > .05). Acculturation (rs(19) = .541, p = .011, 95% CI [.129, .794]) and acculturative stress (rs(17) = .528, p = .020, 95% CI [.082, .797]) were significantly associated with PDG in the Hispanic/Latine dyads (i.e., family caregivers and persons with cancer). Yet, discrimination was not associated with PDG scores in the Hispanic/Latine dyads (ps > .05). This is the first study that has identified minority stressors as preliminary intervention targets (i.e., acculturation; acculturative stress) for PDG in Hispanic/Latine persons with cancer and their family caregivers
Multi-Objective Analysis of Ionic Liquid Properties for Spacecraft Thermal Control
No full textMichael Logan, University of Colorado - Denver, United StatesICES103: Thermal Control of Commercial and Exploration
Spacecraft and Surface HabitatsThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.In ECLSS, propylene glycol–water mixtures and, to a lesser
extent, anhydrous ammonia have traditionally served as
primary heat transfer fluids due to their favorable thermal
properties, including low freezing points and efficient
heat transfer. However, the potential application of ionic
liquids (ILs) in this role remains underexplored. While
primary properties such as heat capacity and viscosity are
critical for thermal performance, secondary factors, such
as toxicity, radiation stability, and material
compatibility, are equally vital for ensuring crew safety
during long-duration missions. This study presents a
screening framework for evaluating IL candidates in
spacecraft thermal applications. The methodology employs a
custom software tool, IL-SCOPE, to manage the combinatorial
complexity of IL design by evaluating fragment
combinations, assembling feasible ILs, and calculating key
thermophysical and safety properties. User-defined property
targets and priority weightings refine the solution space,
and multi-objective Pareto optimization identifies ILs
aligned with mission-specific performance needs. IL-SCOPE
operates in two phases: a reverse design stage that screens
IL fragments (cations, anions, alkyl chains, and functional
groups) against user-defined constraints, and a forward
design stage that assembles feasible structures and
calculates their properties using group contribution
methods. Preliminary results demonstrate the potential of
ILs to achieve tailored thermal properties while
maintaining acceptable safety margins. Comparison with
ILThermo data supports the internal consistency of the
modeled outputs, and fragment-level analysis reveals
chemical trends that can inform future formulation
strategies. This work underscores the design flexibility of
ILs and highlights their potential as mission-tunable
thermal fluids in spacecraft environments
Box 5, Folder 8, MGN "Meditaciones Serias" 2 of 3
No full textThe Boyd Carter Papers represent a significant archival collection housed in the Hispanic Studies Collection in Texas Tech University's CMLL building. Dr. Boyd Carter was a distinguished scholar of Latin American literature who was active from the 1940s to his death in 1980. He held professorships at the University of Nebraska, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Missouri before concluding his career at Texas Tech University (1978-1980). Upon joining TTU, Carter donated his extensive archive to the university, including rare books, microfilm collections, bibliographical notes, and periodicals focusing on Latin American literature from 1850-1950, with particular emphasis on the famed Mexican writer Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera
Putting the 'gay' in gamer:An examination of LGBTQ+ representation in Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and League of Legends
Get PDFVideo games have become an important facet of popular media due to their storytelling abilities and their cultural impact. LGBTQ+ character representation in video games has increased over time, though many representations of queer identities rely on harmful cultural stereotypes regarding queer people. This thesis examines LGBTQ+ representation in archival material of Baldur’s Gate3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Leage of Legends, focusing on gender identity and sexual orientation relate to characters’ narrative roles and experiences. The research explores the narrative events and experiences of characters that were identified as LGBTQ+ and how thematic framing shapes their portrayals, while viewing representation across three games released across a 15 – year time period.
Previous research has explored LGBTQ+ inclusion in games, less is known about the relationships between character identity and how those identities are being portrayed by their narrative function. The study uses a quantitative analysis to explore the themes addressed using an adapted codebook and an expanded framework that utilizes queer theory and thematic framing.
Findings reveal a mix of progressive and problematic patterns in which some characters are richly developed and meaningful storylines, while others are marginalized or tokenistic. The results suggest that although games are becoming more inclusive, representation remains uneven. This research contributes to media and game studies by highlighting the importance of framing in how queer characters are portrayed
Effects of Mitochondrial Dysfunction on Epigenetic Regulators and Fibrogenic Genes in Kidney Epithelial Cells
No full textMitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to be associated with adverse effects of nephrotoxicants in the kidney. However, the mechanism underlying altered mitochondrial function-dependent renal pathophysiology is not clear. Mitochondrial ROS has been shown to alter the epigenome and expression of genes associated with critical cellular function. Whether mitochondrial dysfunction affects epigenetic regulatory genes is not known. Therefore, the object of this review is to comprehensively analyze the progress made so far and the role of mitochondrial dysfunction on expression of epigenetic regulatory genes and its consequences in epigenetic susceptibility to kidney diseases
Machine Learning Driven Modelling of Material–Process–Performance Relationships in Biofabrication Technologies
No full textRecent advancements in the field of biofabrication have revolutionized tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biomedical engineering by enabling the creation of complex, functional biomimetic constructs. The integration of advanced manufacturing technologies with biological sciences has empowered researchers to design intricate multicellular synthetic systems for a broad spectrum of biomedical applications. Among these technologies, bioprinting, particularly extrusion-based methods offers the capability to deposit a wide array of biomaterials in a layer-by-layer fashion, allowing the fabrication of architecturally sophisticated scaffold structures. However, a key challenge lies in managing the complex rheological behavior of bioinks. The non-linear relationships between physical properties make it difficult to determine optimal extrusion parameters that ensure both structural fidelity and biocompatibility through traditional experimental approaches. The multidimensional nature of rheological variables further complicates manual optimization, rendering trial-and-error methods inefficient. Another critical issue in biofabrication involves the integration of microvascular networks within large tissue constructs. These channels are essential for nutrient delivery and waste removal, which are vital for cell viability and the prevention of necrosis in dense tissue constructs. Co-axial electrospinning has emerged as a promising method for fabricating capillary-mimicking microtubes. Nevertheless, the inherently perturbing nature of the process often leads to defects that can compromise the mechanical and functional integrity of the resulting structures. This dissertation addresses these challenges by introducing advanced machine learning, deep learning, and non-linear optimization frameworks to enhance the biofabrication of high-fidelity, vascularized synthetic scaffolds. For extrusion-based bioprinting, hyperparameter-tuned machine learning models combined with multi-objective optimization algorithms were employed to identify ideal rheological parameters that balance print resolution with cell-friendly extrusion conditions. In parallel, a spatiotemporal deep learning-based computer vision system was developed to detect and classify in-situ defects during the electrospinning process in real time. The overall research embodies a synergistic approach that integrates experimental methodologies, data-driven modeling, and intelligent systems. This work offers valuable insights into developing material-independent predictive models, accelerating bioink formulation using novel materials, and establishing precision fabrication workflows through real-time defect detection and adaptive control
The External Calculus: Foreign Support, Civilian Control, and the Politics of Coup-Proofing
No full textThis dissertation examines how foreign support shapes civil-military relations in fragile and hybrid regimes. In many of these countries, civilian leaders face a difficult task: they must rely on the military to stay in power, yet also guard against the possibility of being overthrown by it. While much of the literature treats this balance as a domestic issue, I argue that international engagement—through military aid, foreign patronage, and peacekeeping operations—plays a central role in shaping how leaders manage their armed forces. External actors can shift the balance of power between civilians and the military, either reinforcing civilian control or creating new incentives for politicization and repression. Understanding these dynamics is essential not only for explaining patterns of coup risk and regime survival, but also for assessing the long-term institutional consequences of foreign involvement in client states.
The empirical chapters test how different forms of external engagement influence the political behavior of militaries. The first chapter shows that US military assistance improves military capacity but does not reduce the risk of coups. Using a stacked difference-in-differences design, I find that while such aid can strengthen norms of civilian oversight and improve human rights practices over time. The second chapter compares the effects of democratic and authoritarian patrons. I demonstrate that autocratic sponsors are more effective at suppressing coup threats, largely because they prioritize loyalty and regime protection over institutional reform—often enabling civilian leaders to sideline traditional oversight mechanisms. The final chapter examines peacekeeping deployments, focusing on states contributing troops for the first time. I argue that peacekeeping creates financial and professional incentives that temporarily reduce coup risk. However, these benefits fade if countries fail to implement domestic reforms to rein in military autonomy. Taken together, the dissertation shows that external support can help civilian governments manage their militaries, but its impact depends on the type of engagement, the identity of the sponsor, and whether it is backed by meaningful institutional change
PFAS Tissue Distribution in Exposed Birds
No full textPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally persistent chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial applications, also recognized for their bioaccumulation potential and toxicity to wildlife, particularly birds. Understanding how PFAS distribute in avian tissues and transfer from adult females to offspring remains essential to assess ecological risks. This study investigated PFAS bioaccumulation patterns in Northern Bobwhite (NOBO) across different life stages and exposure scenarios. Adult male and female quail were exposed to individual PFAS or binary mixtures via drinking water.
Analyses revealed detectable PFAS concentrations in the brain, with long-chain compounds such as PFHxS and PFOS showing higher accumulation compared to short-chain analogs. Despite similar average daily intake between sexes, males exhibited higher PFAS concentrations in the brain than females. In binary mixtures, PFOS appeared to suppress PFHxS brain accumulation, suggesting chemical interaction effects.
To explore maternal transfer and non-invasive monitoring options, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) from hatched NOBO eggs was analyzed. PFAS were detected in CAM tissues, with detection efficiency influenced by compound type and exposure concentration. CAMs proved especially effective at higher, yet environmentally relevant exposure concentrations, reflecting both maternal burden and embryonic exposure.
Tissue-specific residue analyses further established that the adult liver accumulated the highest PFAS concentrations, followed by the brain, post-hatch CAM, whole egg, and hatchling tissues. Maternal transfer occurred primarily through deposition into eggs; the CAM provided a more precise indication of fetal exposure than whole-egg analysis. PFAS concentrations in hatchlings were consistently lower than in adults.
Collectively, these findings deepen our understanding of PFAS bioaccumulation and maternal transfer in birds, identify potential sex-specific toxicological risks, and support the CAM as a promising non-lethal method for monitoring environmental PFAS exposure in oviparous species
Deflection Based Design Method for CRCP Whitetopping and Unbonded Overlays
No full textExisting design methodologies for concrete overlays often rely on outdated empirical approaches or complex mechanistic models that lack adequate field validation. This has resulted in a significant gap in practice, particularly for the design of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) overlays, for which no standardized procedure exists in many jurisdictions. To address this deficiency, this thesis presents an innovative and rational design method for CRCP overlays grounded in the foundational principle that pavement deflection is a primary and reliable indicator of structural capacity and future performance. The methodology is developed through a holistic approach that combines extensive field testing, a nationwide agency survey, and mechanistic modeling. A field program on new CRCP construction projects quantified the direct correlation between the deflection of the base layer prior to paving and the final deflection of the completed CRCP system. To expand upon the limited scope of the field data, a calibrated Finite Element Method (FEM) model using dynamic analysis was developed to accurately simulate Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) loading. The calibrated model generated a comprehensive set of correlation curves relating base deflection to CRCP deflection for slab thicknesses from 4 in. to 15 in. over a wide range of subgrade conditions. These findings were then synthesized into two practical engineering tools: a graphical Design Nomograph and a Python-based software program. Both tools seamlessly integrate design traffic (ESALs), existing pavement deflection, and new correlation data to determine the required CRCP overlay thickness. This deflection-based approach offers a validated, data-driven, and accessible framework for designing durable and cost-effective CRCP overlays, thereby filling a critical void in current pavement rehabilitation practic